By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The City of Manila is stepping up its flood preparedness with the groundbreaking of a new Flood Monitoring Command Center under the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO).
The facility, situated within the Manila North Cemetery, aims to strengthen the city’s ability to track floodwaters in real time and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said the command center will be equipped with advanced technology for real-time monitoring and analysis, allowing city officials to make data-driven decisions during typhoons, heavy rains, and other disaster scenarios. “This facility will empower Manila to respond faster and more effectively to flood-related emergencies, ultimately saving lives,” Domagoso stated.
Key Features of the Command Center:
Real-Time Flood Monitoring: Continuous tracking of flood levels along rivers, creeks, and other vulnerable areas in the city.
Coordinated Emergency Response: Enables rapid and organized deployment of city resources during crises.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Provides accurate flood data and analytics to support timely action during disasters.
Mortuary and Coroner’s Facilities: A dedicated space for handling unclaimed bodies and disaster-related cases.
Public Viewing Rooms: Three fully air-conditioned rooms available for families to hold wakes in densely populated communities.
City officials said the new command center marks a major step forward in Manila’s disaster preparedness efforts. With this facility, Manila aims to set a benchmark for flood management and emergency response, serving as a model for other cities across the Philippines.
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